A trip to Vanuatu is much more than a scenic holiday – it’s a showcase of resilience, kindness and spirit. The Grand Hotel and Casino in Port Vila is an embodiment of those values.
Shaken – but not destroyed – by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Vanuatu’s capital in December 2024, the hotel reopened on March 6 this year.
Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Port Vila Harbour, The Grand has undergone a major restoration that honours its legacy while enhancing the guest experience.
The design gives a nod to the calm ocean rippling just outside, featuring a light coastal palette and natural textures throughout the interior, and a coral-coloured coat of paint on the exterior.
Many of the 74 rooms offer private balconies with uninterrupted harbour views, creating a relaxed yet refined island retreat.
I stayed in a Panoramic Suite which boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the ocean, the stretching coastline, and Iririki Island. The timber and brown furniture – echoing the foyer’s natural scheme – decorated the room, pairing well with the luxurious sandstone bathroom.
The hotel’s lavish ambience is heightened by its unique semi-circle shape. The building wraps itself around its waterfront half-moon pool creating an oasis away from the main street of Port Vila.
Beyond the stunning pool area – which offers the most incredible sunset views – the hotel features a lively casino and an incredible restaurant that celebrates Vanuatu’s local produce and seafood.
The restaurant’s philosophy is ‘Soul, Salt, Earth’, and the chef outdid himself with the menu, ensuring it showcased local culture while also nodding to his home in the Philippines.
I tried almost the entire menu during my four-day stay, relishing the breakfast buffet each morning, diving into the lunch menu between trips to the markets and the pool, and enjoying dinner delights after sunset. So, I feel overly qualified to give some recommendations!
The Tuna Crudo is a highlight. It melts in your mouth, and the toasted sesame brings an earthy flavour to the seafood dish while the pickled cucumber gives it a pop of sweetness.
On the topic of seafood, the Cured King Salmon was also a delight. The salty flavour of the fish was subdued by the avocado – and those flavours together were emphasised by the pickled red cabbage.
Meanwhile, the Melanasian Beef Curry was a spectacular foray into cultural dining. This Pacific Island cuisine is made with high-quality beef and features creamy coconut milk in the curry with a side of taro chips.
When I wasn’t indulging in the dining room or floating around the pool or enjoying my room’s balcony view, I was exploring the market scene to spend my Vatu on souvenirs.
Mama’s Markets – also known as Port Vila Central Market – was a two-minute walk from the hotel. The sheltered market offered fruits, flowers and food galore. Further along was the Port Vila Handicraft Market, a marketplace dedicated to selling authentic handmade products like baskets, jewelry, and carvings.
I loved that the hotel was so close to the markets and other amenities along the main road, like the pharmacy and multiple ATMs. I also loved that just a 45-minute drive away was the Blue Lagoon.
The aptly named body of crystal clear water is bright turquoise, and vibrant green trees and bushes hug the lagoon. Fallen flowers bob along the surface of the water and tropical fish swim below. This destination is like nothing I’ve ever seen before; I felt like I was on a new planet.
While I swam in the lagoon’s water, which was cool in the shade and warm in the sunshine, my tour guide prepared lunch in the picnic area. He set up bananas, pineapple, and grapefruit on a platter alongside banana chips, coconuts to drink from, and bottled water.
The level of hospitality I experienced during this trip was exceptional. By the end of my half-day trip to the Blue Lagoon, my driver felt like a friend. And, by the end of my stay at The Grand, I realised I would miss the staff who had made my trip particularly memorable.
Every time I walked through the foyer, a staff member would greet me with my name. Every time I ordered a drink at the pool , my go-to beverage was practically ready for me. Every need I had was accounted for.
It’s hard to believe that local lives were rocked by a devastating earthquake just over a year ago, but like The Grand Hotel and Casino itself, their resilience, kindness and spirit was inspiring and I can’t wait to return and see them all again.
Visit https://www.grandvanuatu.com.
Ally has travelled to and lived in countless destinations in Australia and around the world. She met her partner overseas - the best holiday of all!